Only one in six children affected with mental illness receives the care they need, according to the George Hull Centre for Children and Families. Since 1985, the non-profit organization has been committed to providing hope and healing to those in need. On Oct. 24, 2014, event coordinator Carm Viola hosted its third annual fundraiser — A Spooktacular Night Part 2 — in support of the Centre’s mental health services. Held at Fontana Primavera Event Centre in Vaughan, the Halloween costume-clad crowd of over 200 people enjoyed an antipasto bar and sit-down dinner, along with a candy bar (devoured under 30 minutes by “adults gone wild,” as Viola put it), a waffle station and a martini bar. The evening was also packed with festivities, from the tunes of the Truly band to a silent auction of fun-filled items (think Maple Leafs tickets and a wheelbarrow of pumpkins, cheese, cognac and wine). Currently, 90 per cent of the Centre’s annual funding comes from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services. The event raised $18,000.

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